Plans to give historic Hicks Farm in north Bournemouth a new lease of life.

Hicks Farm was once a thriving agricultural and dairy farm, dating to around 1800. Plans were developed to bring the farm back into use, creating an exciting community facility that everyone can enjoy.

Hicks Farm is a key project within our Stour Valley Masterplan, which aims to improve the provision of information and pedestrian and cycle access along 10 miles of river valley between Hengistbury Head and Longham.

The masterplan has already seen the creation of the popular Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre in Muscliff and the award-winning Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.

Proposals

Proposals included the restoration of Hicks Farm and possible activities to benefit residents, visitors and wildlife, including:

• potential for school children to understand and experience farming first-hand
• demonstrations of traditional farming, such as hand and horse drawn ploughs, tilling and hayricks
• improved facilities, including a farm shop, café and barns for community use
• production of locally grown food in a community garden
• new river walks with bird hides and wildlife watching
• volunteering opportunities for all ages and abilities
• opportunities for people to improve their mental and physical health through contact with nature, care farming, exercising, socialising and volunteering.

Consultation process

During August 2018 people were asked to give their comments on the initial proposals through 26 drop-in sessions at Kingfisher Barn and Throop Mill. We also provided information on this website and sent electronic forms to people who could not take part in the drop-in sessions.

During the public consultation, a manned information caravan was also available which had display panels with information on:

• setting the scene
• the history of Hicks Farm
• getting there
• initial ideas.

Following the consultation results, we developed a report as a result of the Resilient Heritage Project, which we shared with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In the short term we'll be letting the farmhouse and working on restoring another of the barns.